It was sunny. Not a cloud in sight, a cool breeze kept it from getting too hot. The perfect summer's day, designed to be enjoyed outside.

  And yet, here sat Daelyn, staring at the closed door to the King's office. She longed to know what was being said behind it. God, she hoped it wasn't about her upcoming birthday.

  King Lucas and a handful of his trusted advisors had been in there for over an hour now. While this wasn't entirely unusual, she suspected something was going on. Meetings had been scheduled with other Kingdoms and secret conversations-stuff Daelyn had not been privy to.

  "May I get you anything, Miss Daelyn?" Alberta, her dy in waiting asked.

  Holding in a scream, Daelyn bumped into the table in the entryway.

  As politely as possible, she waved Alberta away quietly and picked up the table.

  Alberta curtsied and left.

  Daelyn, trying to be discreet, moved further away from the door. The hallway was long and led to the main components of the pace; the library, the ballroom, and the dining hall, all located on the east wing.

  Walking to the library she tried to calm her shaking hands.

  Alberta sneaking up on her had made her even more nervous. At least it was Alberta who had found her and not one of the King's footmen or butlers. She could trust Alberta to not mention it to the King. He HATED her snooping around.

  Daelyn stopped and looked out the big bay window in the library. This was one of her favorite spots in the whole pace. The windows had been opened and the scent of flowers spilled in from the gardens outside.

  Part of her wanted to go run through the gardens like she had as a child.

  Daelyn wished she knew what was keeping the King so busy. She wasn't accustomed to her brother keeping things from her. For the first time in her 17 years, she felt alone. Of course, the pace was often filled with guests and staff but few that she could allow herself to get close to.

  Without notice, footsteps filled the hallway. Farewells were being exchanged.

  Too early for supper, too te for lunch.

  Listening, she heard numerous engines igniting in front of the pace.

  Letting out a sigh, she stretched her arms and waited.

  As if on cue, Lucas walked into the Library. His sleeves were rolled up and his tie undone. His blue eyes crinkled with an apologetic smile.

  "Sorry, I know you had to eat lunch alone," he joined her on the sofa, "Things went ter than we'd pnned."

  Daelyn noticed the hairs by his temples were beginning to pepper with grey. The title of King was weighing heavy on him.

  Nodding toward him, "You know I'm capable of eating meals by myself..." she pushed him jokingly. Yet, she couldn't put much past him. He knew her too well.

  "I know, I know. I feel bad though, leaving you alone all the time. Pretty soon, you'll have a family of your own and I won't get to see you as much."

  He ran his hands over his face, letting out a yawn.

  Daelyn's heart sank at the talk of the future. She was in NO rush to leave her home.

  "Is that what you were discussing in there? My future?" she asked, bravely.

  Her 18th birthday was coming soon. Typically, this was the earliest age when Princesses would be arranged for marriage.

  Pausing for a moment, Lucas sat up straighter.

  Squinting his eyes, "Is that why you were lurking outside the door?" The way he said it, Daelyn was sure it wasn't a question.

  Feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. She had felt bad eavesdropping, but she was also VERY curious to know what all the secrecy was about.

  Keeping her eyes on the floor "I'm sorry, I'm just so out of the loop. You never tell me anything anymore. I was afraid it was about me and that was why you haven't told me anything" she admitted.

  Surprisingly Lucas wasn't angered by her confession. He remained calm and if anything he looked more compassionate than Daelyn felt she deserved.

  Gncing out the windows, he looked back at Daelyn.

  "I wish I could share everything with you, even just for my own sanity. But events are happening that have to remain at maximum security" he said, gravely.

  She could feel the intensity of his words, "I understand."

  "Some good news I can share with you..." he said changing the subject. His whole demeanor lifting.

  "Okay." Curious, she adjusted herself on the couch, her full attention on him.

  "I've chosen a bride" he beamed cheek to cheek.

  "What?" she asked without thinking.

  Daelyn couldn't believe it, how hadn't she thought of this possibility?

  "Er-That's amazing, Lucas! Who is it?" she asked, thinking of who he could have decided upon.

  He smiled at her and chuckled, "No, tell me how you feel..." He joked.

  Women were in short supply these days. Due to fertility issues, men outnumbered women three to one.

  "Princess Pir Cremont" he proudly sang her name.

  She hugged him.

  "I'm so happy for you brother! She is stunning."

  Daelyn genuinely liked Pir, but she'd only seen her once or twice. Pir was from the Kingdom of Belraithe across the river from them. Her hair was a lovely rich reddish color and she had greenish-blue eyes. More importantly, she was as kind as she appeared beautiful. Although she'd only interacted with her a couple of times, Pir always treated Daelyn with the most respect, like an equal... even despite her age.

  Not completely sure how old Pir was, Daelyn was sure she wasn't close to the maximum age for arranging a marriage. Princesses were expected to be married by 24.

  Daelyn wondered when Lucas had decided Pir was the one for him.

  King Konrad Cremont was over for dinner the evening before, perhaps that was when they decided upon it...

  He was not a man to mess with. Built like a brick house, Daelyn had thought to herself during his visit. A solid six foot three, with probably 240 pounds of muscle. His skin showed signs of sun exposure and battle wounds. However, as far as rumors went, he hadn't been in any battle for 5 years. Leaving it for the younger generation.

  Somehow during his visit, Daelyn never recalled any mention of his daughter Pir.

  Drawing her out of her thoughts, Lucas spoke up.

  "Pir will be coming here by the end of this week for the engagement party," he cleared his throat.

  Standing up he adjusted his shirt, "I think I'm gonna go for a walk before dinner" he said as he patted her on the shoulder.

  "Alright," she said half-mindedly, "And Lucas...I'm happy for you," she told him as he walked to the door.

  He paused at the door.

  "Daelyn", he said.

  Looking up at him, she could hear the sincerity in his voice.

  "Yeah?"

  "I sense you're worried about your next birthday because of the arrangement guidelines. I hope you know me well enough by now to know that I'm not going to choose someone just because that's protocol. I'll only select someone that I feel is the best for you...If it takes longer than usual, so be it. You can still count on me" he said before leaving without giving Daelyn a chance to respond.

  Relief washed over her but was quickly repced by curiosity.

  If the meetings hadn't been about her? Then what was taking up so much time?

  Lucas's engagement to Pir?

  No, she quickly decided.

  Something else was at py here.

  Daelyn had meant what she said about being happy for her brother, but she feared she was going to lose the only person she had left.